Classic Reviews: The Wizard of Oz (SPOILERS)

There's No Place Like Home...

It is beloved by many as an all-time classic. Really, what more can be said? I remember watching The Wizard of Oz often with my family and how I walked along a path with my sister and cousin uttering "lions and tigers and bears oh my!" over and over before my dad jumped out from behind a tree roaring like a lion! Yeah, I, like so many others I imagine, have very fond memories of this film. That being said, I do recall finding it a little cheesy and as such was concerned my enjoyment of the film would be hampered substantially because of that. To my surprise, I not only found it enjoyable once again, but actually appreciate it even more for being so easy at putting a smile on my face. In short, there's a reason The Wizard of Oz is still beloved to this very day, and here's why:

UPS

1. The characters. Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and so on and so forth...everyone knows them, everyone loves them. Each one of them is iconic and memorable for their own little reason, and all of them are important to keep the story moving forward. Of course, the standout for me is and always will be the Wicked Witch of the West. Everyone knows a good villain will always be a standout and the Witch is a picture-perfect example of that being the case.
2. The songs. They range from beautiful and somber like "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" to joyous and whimsical like "You're off to see the Wizard." One thing I noticed about the songs in this viewing ("Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and all variations of "If I Only" in particular) is how they pretty much encapsulate the character arcs each member of the main group goes through. So not only are they iconic on a technical level, but they now hold thematic resonance in relation to the story, and that makes them more meaningful to me.  
3. The blend of black and white and color. I can't even begin to imagine how jaw-dropping this must've been for audiences back when this movie first premiered. Still to this day, the way it's so seamlessly put together is an achievement that will not ever go unnoticed. 
4. The overall message. Maybe a little dated in some aspects by today's standards, but I think the core point can still resonate with everyone. Over the course of the movie, Dorothy has been wondering, hoping, praying for this perfect place that she can run off to and be appreciated for being herself, the place over the rainbow so to speak. Of course, by the end, she realizes that not only did she have what she was looking for all along, but she also made a new family along the way. It really goes to show that no matter what you do or where you go, you are never alone in the journey you embark on, and you should always appreciate the things and people who are in your life, because at the end of the day, there really is no place like home. 

DOWNS

There's really nothing significant that brought the film down for me. 

OVERALL

The Wizard of Oz is a timeless classic. I feel like it'll be one of those films that will somehow be viewed by families for generations to come, long after my life ends if may be so bold.

RATING: 9/10 - A

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more coming your way and take care till then :)

Classic Reviews: Seven Samurai (SPOILERS)

In the end, we lost this battle too...

It's one of those films that ranks at the top for many people, so there was much anticipation once I finally got around to checking out this beloved classic. I am proud to say that I am eternally grateful to have finally gotten the chance to experience this magnificent film. Seven Samurai is one of those rare films that makes something work out of almost everything. Let's get into why that is the case:

UPS

1. The runtime. When you have a movie that clocks in at over three hours long, you'd hope there would be a reason to justify that. Fortunately, this film is one that benefits from such a runtime. Kurosawa had a grand and epic story to tell and I'm impressed that he was able to tell that story as fully and completely as he did. Because of the runtime, almost everything in this movie feels fleshed out and developed to its most natural place. Case in point...
2. The Samurai. Each of these men are given ample time for the spotlight. We spend enough time with each of them to get a sense of who they are and therefore feel for them as they bond with the villagers, each other, and reflect upon everything leading them to where they are now. Of course, if I had to pick a standout, it would no doubt be Kikuchiyo, whose character could've easily been reduced to comic relief yet instead is balanced with enough complexity to make him, in my opinion, one of the greatest characters in all of film history. Likewise, the rant he has which reveals his backstory is one of the finest scenes in any film I have seen. 
3. How everything concludes. What should feel like a relatively happy ending instead borders on being a downer because even though the bandits are defeated, a majority of the Samurai die and the ones who remain really have nothing left to show for it. As the quote above states, they lost the battle too, and that makes for a really powerful ending to a grand and epic tale. 

DOWNS

1. As excellent as most aspects of this film are, the romance subplot was something I just could not invest myself in. For me, it doesn't do anything to propel the characters who are at the center of it. While it does have an unconventional resolution, this was my least favorite part and because of everything that the film achieved, it glaringly sticks out. 

OVERALL

Seven Samurai is, as you probably guessed, a film that deserves all the praise it gets. Akira Kurosawa put in a lot of heart and soul to craft a film that will be cherished by many for generations to come. If you have not seen it, please do so.

RATING: 9/10 - A

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more coming your way and take care till then :)

Star Wars The Clone Wars: The Final Season (SPOILERS)

To a dark place, this line of thought will carry us...

A long, long time ago, a piece of this franchise had a home on Cartoon Network. Following a shaky start with a not-so stellar theatrical film, The Clone Wars was a show that, like all the great ones, evolved over time. What started as a fun little episodic series bridging the gap between Episodes II and III became a show that dealt with themes that were deeper and darker, even for Star Wars, all the while addressing some of the pitfalls in the trilogy that spawned it. Simply put, this became a treasured item to the Star Wars fandom before not one, but two cancellations as George Lucas signed over the rights to the House of Mouse. While its initial six-season run was something that would always be cherished, it was only natural for the fandom to crave the true conclusion that they expected. For a time, it seemed to be only a dream...until finally, after so long, The Clone Wars returned for one last season! That being said, was it really worth the wait? When things like this happen, it could be crushed under the weight of the hype. Thankfully, the final season of The Clone Wars, while not without its pitfalls, was everything I wanted and more. Now let's get into why that is the case:

UPS

1. The animation and music. The good thing about having this hiatus was that the crew was able to produce all the episodes with the most up-to-date technology, and boy does it show! The last four episodes in particular are just filled to the brim with gorgeous animation and breathtaking music. I mean, that Ahsoka/Maul lightsaber duel, anyone? Or the final moment where Ahoska and Rex built a memorial for their fallen brothers? Or the moment where Order 66 is commenced? Speaking of which...
2. The Siege of Mandalore Arc. This...this right here....is what the whole series was building towards and the whole reason having the final season be released was such a joy to behold. It seemed inevitable, but unlikely, that we would get a whiff of the series addressing the events of Revenge of the Sith. Not only are the events addressed, but they coincide with what happens in this arc, which means that we get to see events like Order 66 happen from the perspective of characters like Ahsoka, Rex, and Maul. This makes for an even more satisfying and powerful conclusion and man, that final scene, a truly perfect way to cap off this series. 

DOWNS

1. The first two arcs, while not bad, are nothing special. This pertains more to the "Martez Sisters" arc than "The Bad Batch" one, but both feel so separate from the last arc that it only felt fair to mention them here. "The Bad Batch" arc was a fun little arc that saw the return of Echo, which is no doubt a plus, but having a tone similar to that of the first few seasons while premiering during the final season just made it feel out of place. "The Martez Sisters" arc, on the other hand, just had no reason to be four episodes long, even if it addressed the whereabouts of Ahsoka and offered a different perspective of the Jedi. This could've easily been condensed into two or three episodes so that time could be spent on another arc that was developed but never saw the light of day.

OVERALL

Star Wars: The Clone Wars concluded with a bang despite a rather rocky start. That last arc was no doubt some of the best storytelling that this franchise has produced in years. I hope that Dave Filoni will continue to be an active voice in pushing the franchise forward.

RATING: 8/10 - B+

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more coming your way :)

Onward (SPOILERS)

Uh Oh, It's Magic...

The film industry has taken a heavy beating this year. While hopefully things will be able to bounce back for the most part, there's no doubt that the road to recovery is a long way ahead. Pixar's Onward is one of those films that has been affected by the Coronavirus, with a short-lived theater release before moving straight to Disney+. Judging from that statement, I bet you can guess how I was able to see this movie. Pixar is one of those studios that will offer some of the best family-friendly entertainment there is simply because the studio crafts stories that not only provide fun for the whole family, but also take risks and are rich with themes that resonate with everyone. That being said, not every feature can be Toy Story or Up, and they're have been some less than stellar entries that border on being downright forgettable. With how this one was positioned, it seemed we were gonna be faced with the latter. For me, I find it in the middle. It's not top-tier Pixar, but I still find it very enjoyable and a movie that has a very profound and moving story. Now let's see what makes Onward work and what doesn't:

UPS

1. Tom Holland and Chris Pratt. Frankly put, this paring is a dream come true. They hold a great dynamic that stands as the heart of the film. While I have issues with how the film tackles their relationship, Holland and Pratt's chemistry still shines bright and if they ever make a live-action movie where the two are cast as brothers, I would totally check it out.
2. The film moves at a pretty reasonable pace. While that comes at the cost of some solid worldbuilding and potential character drama, it does help to keep the film engaging and immerse you in the quest that the brothers share. It never felt stretched out or overstayed its welcome, and that I think is worth a plus in the UP department for me. 
3. The ending. Simply put, this is what sets Onward above other Pixar entries that don't reach the levels set by more iconic entries. The whole film revolves around the brothers bringing back their father and that of course is where the emotion comes in. What makes the ending stand out however is that it actually manages to subvert expectations in a way that feels satisfying and impactful. It may not have been what I expected, but in the end, it packed the punch and for that it felt like a fitting end. 

DOWNS

1. The film's pace, while good for the movie, does cause a bit of trimming that I feel keeps the film from being something truly special. As mentioned before, the world that this film presents is so intricate and fascinating that I would have totally supported taking some time to explore it. Likewise, and most irritating of all, it seemed like the film was setting up tension between the brothers only to drop it as soon as it was introduced. Frankly, I don't think having this happen would elevate the film per se, but if the producers were going to take time to set it up, then they should have at least tried to commit to it, even if for a small chunk of the runtime. 

OVERALL

Onward is not one of my favorite Pixar films, but it's also nowhere close to being forgettable. In fact, I think this is one of those films that's ripe for a sequel. Should that happen, I'd definitely check it out.

RATING: 7/10 - B

And that's it for this post, guys. Stay safe out there and tune in for more coming your way :)

Better Call Saul: Season 5 (SPOILERS)

50% Off...

Ashamed as I am to admit it, I still haven't gotten around to watching Breaking Bad, something I will hopefully remedy now given our current circumstances. That being said, I have been a consistent follower of its spinoff prequel, and if Breaking Bad is anything like this, I know I'm in for a good ride. Better Call Saul is a show that, like its titular character, has experienced a gradual evolution as a series. With the conclusion of its penultimate fifth season, it has truly become something special. Let me get into why that is the case:

UPS

1. Jimmy's continual descent. Now taking on the mantle of Saul Goodman, we are really starting to see the sleazy lawyer we all know and love come into fruition. Despite that, there still is a little piece of Jimmy left in him, and that makes for compelling viewing that the writing and the ever dependable Bob Odenkirk make great use of. Now that Jimmy is sinking deeper and deeper into the criminal underworld, it'll be interesting to see what finally pushes him over the edge...and how this factors in to the flash forwards involving "Gene." However, what makes this season so memorable is that even though we are finally seeing Saul in action, it actually wasn't the most shocking and interesting development to happen. Case in point...
2. KIM WEXLER! This...this was not what I expected! At all! Am I complaining? Hell no! Throughout the series, Kim has always been the heart and the moral compass that kept the series grounded in reality. We watched her grow, struggle, and persevere. She was the shining light that brightened the day when things weren't going so well otherwise. Throughout this season, we really see that put to the test as her relationship with Jimmy is pushed to its breaking point. And still, we root for her, pray for her, wish that things will be okay for her...and then this happens. Yes, it seems like Kim is now one of the many characters in this franchise to, pardon the pun, break bad, and even more disturbing is that, if her plans for Howard are anything to go by, her schemes seem to be more vindictive and damaging to her soon-to-be victims. Really, when Jimmy becomes worried, you know we're gonna be in for a hell of a ride come the final season. 
3. How everything is starting to come together. Now that we are reaching the end, we are starting to see how this series will gradually lead Jimmy to where he ends up in Breaking Bad, and the results have been pretty exciting. Not only did the aforementioned, earth-shattering development occur, but we now have Lalo on a warpath after having just survived Gus' latest assassination attempt. And with everything he has seen and knows, I expect a lot of characters being in danger as we reach the final go-around. I don't know what to expect, given I actually expected Lalo to bite it in the finale, but man oh man, I am biting my nails in anticipation!

DOWNS

None of particular note.

OVERALL

Better Call Saul: Season 5 was a perfect penultimate season. It set the stage for the conclusion in a grand and exciting way. I can't wait to see what happens, and hopefully I'll be all caught up with Breaking Bad and El Camino beforehand. For now, though, I am so impressed with how far this show has come, and while I am sad to see it go, I just hope that when the final season does come along, it goes out on a high. 

RATING: 10/10 - A+

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune for more coming your way and till then, take care :)

In The Mind Of: BoJack Horseman (SPOILERS)

It's never too late to be the person you want to be...

Life can be hard and just downright suck at times. Still, it's always imperative to take it slow and never lose sight of what makes it all worth while. No one has to learn that more than this horseman hybrid right here. To say BoJack is complicated is putting it ever so mildly. Growing up with two incredibly abusive parents, BoJack knew nothing but toxicity for most of his life and, in going through the trials and tribulations of life, let that fester into something truly ugly. While he had shown signs of being genuinely loving and trustworthy, especially before he got a real taste of the Hollywoo(d) lifestyle, BoJack gradually devolved into a bitter, selfish, backstabbing, self-destructive, narcissistic asshole who only valued people as objects that would fill his constant need for validation and the empty void he feels he has, never caring once about their feelings or how his actions would lead them to suffer. To put it simply, it's hard not to paint BoJack as a utter piece of shit, but really there is so much more to him than that. So. Much. More.

Deep down, he is a truly broken individual, plagued by years of trauma and self-loathing. What makes it so painful is that there really is a good person buried within that jerkass exterior, but for every thing that he does to better himself, all it takes for BoJack to relapse is to fall under the pressure that comes with real, genuine change. By the end of the series, he hits a rock bottom that sees him pay a hefty sum, but instead of letting it bury him, he now believes he can use the experience to truly change his life for the better. Only time will tell if that really can happen.

BoJack Horseman is quite possibly my favorite fictional character of all time. I don't think I've ever found myself connecting to a character the way I do with BoJack. I'm sure we all can relate to him in some way. Throughout the whole series, I really hoped, even prayed, for him to be the person I know he could be. While the answer to that wasn't so clear cut, I have a very (if slightly cautious) optimistic feeling that he can now finally find the peace he deserves. After all,

Sometimes life is a bitch, then you keep living...

And that's it for this post, guys! I hope you're all staying happy, healthy, and safe during these tumultuous and uncertain times we are currently living in. Just remember to always keep your head up. You guys will get through this. And as always, tune in for more posts coming your way :)

Retro-Reviews: Birds of Prey (SPOILERS)

It's oh so quiet...

It's been an interesting time for DC. After a series of mishaps in their plans for the DCEU, the execs have taken a step back and done a bit of course correction. To put it simply, they are now letting directors do their own thing and tell their own stories. The best thing about that is that some have chosen to take what was great about the DCEU beforehand and run with it. In this case, Harley Quinn. Easily one of, the not the very best, thing about Suicide Squad, it's nice that Margot Robbie can continue to shine in the role of this iconic character, and even better that it's in a self-contained story that allows us to enjoy the vision of what a look into Harley's world would look like. Still, as fun and cool as Birds of Prey is, there are some flaws that bring it down quite a bit for me. Let's get into all of that right now:

UPS

1. Margot Robbie. I loved her take on this character, and she shines just as bright here as she did in Suicide Squad. Her fun, quirky, infectious personality is matched perfectly with a sheer unhinged ferocity that compliments this character well. Having her break off from the Joker also allows the character to take new directions which make her come into her own and make her be one we can appreciate following. What I think I like most is that even though she's our protagonist, that still didn't make her a hero, and it's nice to see that they didn't try to force that change when it really wasn't necessary. Really, having films that follow these morally ambiguous characters with infinite shades of grey make for interesting stories, especially when it comes to comic book films, where most of the conflicts are black and white. Of course, we still needed a villain to compliment our "hero," and we've thankfully got a great one with...
2. Ewan McGregor's Black Mask. The DCEU has had some dud villains (take your pick between Steppenwolf and Enchatress) but it's also not without its exceptions. Thankfully, Black Mask falls within the latter. It's nice to see this villain come into the spotlight after being relatively obscure from the mainstream, with McGregor making this take wildly fun, creative, and unique. Some have their issues with how different he is from usual interpretations, but I think it makes him more compelling, because while he is wacky, eccentric, and over the top, he also proves to be brutal, vicious, and menacing. Alas, since he's killed off at the end, we'll never see more of him :(
3. Cathy Yan. In order for this movie to work, it needed to be fun, unique, and energetic. While the story doesn't do much in service of that, Yan's direction manages to pull it forward. This film is vibrantly filmed, with every detail and choice being used to the fullest extent possible. Yan took a simple story and made it her own. Because of her direction, this film is able to stand on its own despite its familiarity.

DOWNS

1. The overall story, or at least how its structured. While Yan manages to still inject this film with a vibrant life, I don't think the plot is that well put together. For one, this film relies heavily on flashbacks, all with Harley's narration. After a while, it gets tedious and overplayed, which even writer Christina Hodson seems to acknowledge since she decides to rush through one flashback towards the end. The downside? It's the backstory of one of our central characters! Which brings me to my next point...
2. All the other characters aside from Harley feel sidelined. Of course, they are all played well by their actors, but a good performance can only go so far when the script doesn't utilize them to their full potential. I've already covered Black Mask, but I find that even though I enjoyed watching these characters unfold, I felt like I needed more time with them. The most egregious example of this has to be Huntress, whose aforementioned backstory is the one they decided to rush through. It's such a shame, because I could imagine her being one of my favorite characters in the film if we just gotten more screentime from her. 
3. As fun as all the action was, I felt this film didn't take full advantage of its R-Rating. Sure, it doesn't need to be an all out splatter fest, but it all just felt rather tame for a movie that could've really put the petal to the metal with the freedom that they had. There were some standout moments, like Bruce the Hyena munching on that poor sap's leg, but these moments are few and far in between. 

OVERALL

Birds of Prey (or whichever title you choose to call it) is another win for DC, even if it isn't as strong as other recent offerings. I hope we see more of these characters and look forward to seeing Harley return in James Gunn's Suicide Squad. 

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more coming your way and take care till then :)

BoJack Horseman (SPOILERS)

Everyday it gets a little easier, but you gotta do it every day. That's the hard part, but it does get easier...

2020 has been a very peculiar year...to say the least. In the midst of all the chaos going on at this very moment, I have dedicated this post to being about a show that ended at the tail end of January. To put into words the ways this show has affected me personally is something that could possibly take up a novel's length of thought. To narrow down my thought process, I knew about BoJack, heard great things about BoJack, and had plans to eventually check out BoJack. Of course, planning isn't the same as doing, and it was a while before I actually brought myself to do so. Then, I got it recommended by a friend, and started watching weekly showings of the first season on Comedy Central. It was a pleasant joy to experience, to say the least, so much so that I couldn't keep myself from binging the last two episodes on Netflix before going full speed ahead. It then happened that this viewing experience coincided with a very personal loss...right as the show began to unfold into what made it such a phenomenon in the first place. Never in a million years did I think an animated sitcom about a talking horse could hold such a deep, meaningful, emotionally profound story about a truly broken individual who is doing all he can to be a better person. BoJack Horseman wasn't just a show for me anymore. It became something deeper, something surreal, something meaningful. It has become something I hold near and dear to my heart, possibly being my favorite show of all time. Now that it has ended, I have finally decided to make this post about why that is the case:

UPS

1. Let's start off by talking about the talking horse himself. BoJack is without a doubt one of the most complex, fascinating, and truly greatest characters to come from the realm of fiction, possibly even being my personal favorite. He has so many layers to him that there really is no clear-cut way to feel about him. On the surface, he's quite an asshole, but does have his moments and is pretty funny. It's when the series goes deeper that we realize there is so much more to BoJack, and with that, we have a character that we not only learn to care for, but one that we beg will get the chance to change and earn a happy ending. While it wasn't that clear-cut, it is nice to know that in the end, BoJack seems to be in a better place than he was.
2. The other characters. While BoJack is the glue that keeps everything together and always will be, he's got a great supporting cast to follow up. Starting things off, Diane is the heart of the show, being the one person who brings out the best in others despite struggling with her own insecurities and personal demons. Watching her journey unfold is about as rewarding as BoJack's, and there's the beauty of it all; while the show is primarily about BoJack, it does not push the other characters aside. It gives them room shine so much so that they could even carry the show themselves. Todd and Mr. Peanutbutter start out being standard comic relief characters, but as the show goes on, they become more well-rounded and show off more facets to their characters that make where they end up in the end more fulfilling. Finally, my personal favorite character, aside from BoJack of course, is Princess Carolyn, who is just such a joy to watch and has probably the most fitting and satisfying ending of all the main characters. Other characters like Herb, Charlotte, Secretariat, Sarah Lynn, HollyHock, and Beatrice also manage to affect the show in major (and in some particular cases devastating) ways.
3. The way this show integrates the animation with the subject matter. I know this being an adult cartoon can be offputting for some, but I don't think the show would work as well if it was live-action. For one, there's talking animals, but more importantly, the animation in this show is used in ways that allow the show to express everything that could be used to visually represent the inner thought process of BoJack. The episode "Stupid Piece of Shit" and the penultimate episode, "The View from Halfway Down," are prime examples of that. Overall, the animation is a creative way of allowing the show to express the more surreal elements of the show. 
4. The overall message. As previously mentioned, BoJack starts off the show being quite an asshole who does some pretty terrible things, but it's clear as the show progresses that he is trying to mellow out and be a better person, which makes it all the more devastating when something happens that either messes him up completely and/or he makes one terrible choice that nearly destroys any goodwill he may have gained beforehand. Still, he trudges on, and we're hoping, no, praying that he can change. This show tackles everything that encompasses the way one goes about dealing with the troubles in their lives, and how they rise above their demons to be the best possible version of themselves. It's something truly inspiring to watch and has affected me in a very personal way. 

DOWNS

1. In some aspects, the final season feels a tad bit rushed. Not to say that it wasn't great, because it was, but there are some things about it that keep it just a tad short of perfect. Most importantly, there's some plotlines that are pretty much left on a hanging thread. The two hugest examples of that are regarding Penny and Charlotte revisiting the trauma of BoJack's visit, and HollyHock cutting off BoJack. For me, the plotlines revolving around these three seemed like they were cut short, as if they were only meant to serve a purpose to the main storyline of BoJack being alienated over the incident regarding Sarah Lynn despite the fact that they are left at points where they could have evolved into more. Given that BoJack got closure with almost everyone that he cared about, it would've been nice that even if he never got the chance to patch things up, he (and by extension us) could at least know that HollyHock, his sister, was going to be okay. 

OVERALL

What can I say about BoJack Horseman? This show has impacted me in so many ways. It's funny, it's emotional, it's heartfelt, it's depressing...it's everything. If you haven't seen it yet, please give it a watch. You will not be prepared for what you are about to experience, but my hope is that once you finish, you walk away feeling the same way I did when I reached the end of the journey. 

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more coming your way and take extra special care till then :)

Be safe out there everyone!

1917 (SPOILERS)

I am a poor wayfaring stranger...

War is Hell, and film has done a great job capturing that. There have been may truly remarkable films within this genre, and 1917 can stand tall among them. Towards the end of 2019, this film gained major traction and was set to be a major reaper of awards at the Oscars. While that wasn't the case, this movie still manages to be a tremendous achievement in a number of ways. Here's why:

UPS

1. The one-take. Yes, it's been buzzed about that this film was shot to look like one long, continuous take...and that's exactly how it's presented. For the entirety of the movie, you feel like you're following Blake and Scofield on their journey and get a firsthand look at what it's like to be a soldier during this war. To put it bluntly...it's not great. What's even better is that the most glaring cut happens at a point that makes logical sense in terms of what happens. Now of course, there were probably several more cuts, but it's a testament to the filmmaking that they are barely noticed and do nothing to tarnish such a incredible technical achievement. Speaking of which...
2. Roger Deakins' cinematography. If the one-take transported you into the world of World War I, then the cinematography was what immersed you in it. Deakins is a master at crafting these shots that look so authentic and real that you can't help but be awed by the raw beauty of what you are seeing. That whole sequence in the town at night alone...truly breathtaking. 1917 may not have ran off with as many Oscars as originally thought, but it did manage to snag the one that was very clearly deserved. 
3. Dean Charles Chapman and George McKay's performances. The story of this film is rather simple, so it helps that these actors bring us incredibly likable leads to follow. Chapman, familiar to those who have seen Game of Thrones, fills Blake with a youthful idealism that clashes well with Scofield's more jaded outlook on the war. It's this bright optimism that makes his rather shocking death (I seriously did not see it coming) harder to take in. Of course, the heart of this film lies with McKay, who really carries the weight of literally everything as he becomes the sole star of this film. Watching Scofield endure all the obstacles, all the pain, all the loss, is something truly enthralling to behold. He's an easy lead to root for, and the ending is all the more cathartic because of it. 

DOWNS

None of particular note.

OVERALL

1917, while rather simplistic in terms of story, is a technical marvel of a film. Do I think it got snubbed at the Oscars? Honestly no, but I do think it was a great film in its own right and should definitely be checked out if one gets the chance.

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more coming your way :)

Retro-Reviews: Parasite (SPOILERS)

No plan at all...

For a majority of last year, one film has gained major traction across the globe. That film is none other than Bong Joon-Ho's Parasite. To say the anticipation I had for seeing this film was high would be such an understatement that I won't even go into the details, but simply put, while I can't say it was my favorite film of 2019 or even the entire decade, I will say that this is a film that is worthy of all the praise it gets and then some. With its recent sweep of wins at the Oscars this year, including Best Picture, let's get into why Parasite is a timeless gem:

UPS

1. Bong Joon-Ho. A good movie needs a good director, and thankfully, Parasite has a great one in Bong. He has such a way with his craft that I don't think this movie would work as well as it did if not for his incredible skill. Every moment, every shot, every choice, all of it has meaning and nothing feels wasteful. Bong makes use of everything at his disposal and his passion for making this film is felt constantly. 
2. The message and overall theme. Bong has the theme of class structure and how capitalism affects society play a major part in his films. This one is no different and features a story that is built around these themes. What I like most is that the message is presented with such subtlety and nuance that it never feels preachy and instead feels like an organic part of the story. There are no real heroes or villains; just people trying to get by in a world that makes their situations so. It makes for a very complicated and engaging plot with so many twists and turns that it's hard not to get invested.
3. Going hand in hand with the message, the tone undergoes a gradual shift throughout the film that is also presented with subtlety. At first glance, it seems we are experiencing a dark comedy at play, which then transitions into a dramatic thriller, before concluding as a full-blown tragedy. Such massive tonal shifts would be jarring elsewhere, but here it works. The ending is the culmination of all of this, being utterly depressing as a whole yet still holding onto a sliver of hope that things could get better, which we pray they will.

DOWNS

It's hard to find fault with this film in all honesty.

OVERALL

Parasite is, again, not my favorite film of 2019, but I am glad, no, overjoyed that it got such high praise and recognition as everything accomplished in this film makes it deserving of that.

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more coming your way :)

Uncut Gems (SPOILERS)

This is me. This is how I win...

Adam Sandler is one of the most interesting actors working in Hollywood. He's built a career starring in comedies, some good, great even, and others...not so much. Given the track record some of his more infamous outings have left behind, it wouldn't be a surprise if there are those out there who said he was one of the worst actors working today. However, I am here to tell you that that is not the case...far from it in fact. Uncut Gems is a film that proves with the right creative team, any "bad" actor can show the true talent they have buried inside them:

UPS

1. Adam Sandler is terrific! Absolutely, positively terrific! He plays the character of Howard with an endearing sleaziness that only he could pull off. Howard is a selfish, greedy, self-destructive scumbag who would probably gain the utmost disdain from just about anybody, and yet we find ourselves attached to him because Sandler provides his own brand of charm and humor to make him amusing to watch, even as the writing and direction make no bones about what kind of man he is. Speaking of which...
2. The Safdies. I think as great as Sandler is, these two are the crown jewel. They have such an incredible style that imbues this frantic energy within the film that has the audience immerse themselves in Howard's journey...which could prove to be a challenge given how anxiety-ridden and overly intense it is. Combine their direction with a sharp script written by them and Ronald Bronstein, and these brothers are two filmmakers worthy of recognition, which brings me to my next point that can be a more general topic of discussion as opposed to being regulated to the film itself...
3. A24. This studio, man. It has produced some of the most well-regarded and critically acclaimed films of recent years, with this fortunately being one of them. To have this film made the way it is shows that A24 is a company that cares about and allows filmmakers the creative freedom to produce the passion projects that they wish to bring to our world. For that, I find the company to be very commendable.  

DOWNS

1. The overly excessive cursing. This maybe pretty hypocritical of me given my own rather colorful vocabulary, but I feel that when every other line out of a character's mouth contains "fuck" or "shit" or any other variation, it could prove a little tiresome after a while. This movie is no different. This is very minor in the grand scheme of things, but it was just a little distracting once the movie got further along.  

OVERALL

Uncut Gems is a great movie. A really, really great movie. If I had seen it at the time of its release last year, it would've definitely made the Top 10 and have a very good chance of being near the top. If you love Adam Sandler, A24, or just need something that'll give you an experience unlike never before, then go see this! You won't regret it! 

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more coming your way and till then, take care :)

Retro-Reviews: The Mandalorian (SPOILERS)

This is the way...

Oh Star Wars. One of the most beloved and successful franchises of all time, it has seen trying times ever since Disney acquired the rights. With a fandom completely ripped apart and a trilogy that didn't have a clear vision going in, there was a lot going against the franchise. With the unveiling of Disney+, Jon Favreau brings the audience a show that deals not with the Jedi, the Sith, or the Skywalkers, but rather takes a look at a different type of character: a Mandalorian. Already, it was indeed refreshing to see this side of the universe, and the result has been quite possibly one of the best things to come out of this franchise in a long time. In this review, I will go over exactly what makes the first season of The Mandalorian an absolute success, and whatever quibbles it may have that could be improved upon with time:

UPS

1. Mando. To start things off, I have to talk about our titular protagonist, who is as great as they come. He's incredibly badass, and yet what really sells him is his heart and humanity. The more the season goes on, the more layers are peeled back to reveal the psyche of this character. Best of all, almost all of it is done with body language instead of dialogue. That right there is enough to sell this show as something that is truly pushing the franchise in a different direction in regards to storytelling.  
2. Baby Yoda. I know, he's all everyone's talking about, but I still think he deserves mentioning. It's not so much about him being so damn adorable (which he really is,) but it's also about what he represents, and that is the personification of Mando's humanity. All that he does is in service of preserving the life of this innocent little creature. The bond these two share is the clear heart of the show, and I hope the show builds upon this relationship in the second season as the child gets older and more powerful. 
3. I really enjoyed how the season was structured. Many had a problem with how the middle three episodes essentially boiled down to being standalone stories that had no bearing on the plot, but I found myself really enjoying them. I thought they worked well in worldbuilding and of course showing us different parts of the galaxy, and I really enjoyed the characters introduced in these episodes. Of course, the series was at its strongest when dealing with the core story, with Episode 3 and the season finale in particular being the highest points of the season. Overall, the show should break away from the standalone episodes going forward, but for the first season, I found them fitting in just fine. 
4. The theme song. It's just...so awesome!

DOWNS

1. This going to be a little controversial, but I wasn't a fan of the premiere. It did pretty much what a premiere is supposed to do, but it felt more like a checklist instead of an actual episode. It didn't have a good flow and it felt like a lot got crammed in just so the producers could move on to the next thing. Fortunately, the first and last scenes are some of the best of the season, and the show obviously got better from there.  

OVERALL

The first season of The Mandalorian is a breath of fresh air for Star Wars. I hope the series only gets better from here and hopefully be something that will be cherished by everyone who has the pleasure of viewing it. 

And that's it for this post, guys! As always, tune in for more coming your way and till then, take care :)

The Best of The 2010s (SPOILERS)

Well here we are, the end of the decade. There have been several amazing films to come out of this decade, some of which you'll see on my list. Probably the hardest one I had to make, I really tried my best to pick the ones that I felt the best about. To make this fair, I picked two films from each year that I saw and felt had the best chance of deserving a place on the list. I'm sure they'll be disagreements, but hey, opinions are opinions. Reviews for movies I've covered will be linked, and be sure to check out my lists for the best movies from 2017, 2018, and 2019. Now let's begin:
 20. The Revenant
 19. Rise of The Planet of The Apes
 18. Alpha
 17. Deadpool
 16. The VVitch
 15. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
 14. The Wolf of Wall Street 
 13. The Irishman
 12. Prisoners
  11. Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2
 10. Django Unchained 
 9. The Dark Knight Rises
 8. Coco
 7. Logan
 6. Whiplash 
 5. Dawn of The Planet of The Apes
 4. Avengers: Infinity War
 3. How To Train Your Dragon
 2. Joker
 1. Toy Story 3

And that's a wrap on the 2010s. What a decade it has been! Here's to what the 2020s have in store. As always, tune in for more posts coming your way and till then...

The Best of 2019 (SPOILERS)

Well, we are about to each the end of the 2010s, and what a decade it's been. Before we take a look at the best that this decade has had to offer, let's take a look at some of the best the year of 2019 had to offer first. 2019 was an interesting one in that it started off pretty good before meandering in the middle then blowing me out of the water by the end. As such, this was a pretty hard list to make. Reviews for the movies I've covered will be linked here, and be sure to check out my lists for the best movies of 2017 and 2018 in the links below:

• The Best of 2017
• The Best of 2018

Now let's begin:
 10. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

 9. Once Upon A Time...in Hollywood

 8. Avengers: Endgame

 7. IT: Chapter Two

 6. Toy Story 4

 5. How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

 4. Doctor Sleep

 3. Marriage Story

 2. The Irishman

 1. Joker

And that's it for this list guys. Tune in for my Best of The 2010s coming up!